Driver dies in head-on crash

Other motorist expected to face charges of driving while intoxicated.

Other motorist expected to face charges of driving while intoxicated.

October 28, 2006|Tribune Staff Report

STEVENSVILLE -- A 21-year-old Sodus woman died Thursday when she was struck head-on by an allegedly intoxicated Stevensville man, officials said. The accident took place at about 9:30 p.m. at Glenlord Road, about one-fourth of a mile west of Cleveland Avenue in Lincoln Township, according to a news release. Heidi Tanner, of the 3000 block of River Road in Sodus, was driving her 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier when she was struck head-on by a 2004 GMC Yukon being driven by 41-year-old Steven Berndt, of the 2200 block of Jeffrey Street in Stevensville. Witnesses said they had been following Berndt east on Glenlord Road and saw that the vehicle was weaving just before hitting Tanner's westbound car, police said. A passenger in the Tanner vehicle, Lauren Gast, of the 3700 block of Washington Avenue, St. Joseph, was transported by Medic One Ambulance to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, police said. Alan McKee Jr., 24, of the 1700 block of Williamsburg Drive, Stevensville, was the Yukon owner and passenger, but was not injured in the crash, police said. An investigation determined that Berndt's blood alcohol was in excess of the legal limit, police said. He was lodged in the Berrien County Jail on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death, a 15-year felony. The Berrien County Prosecutor's Office will seek charges, police said. Berndt awaited arraignment Friday in Berrien County Trial Court.